Travel
Temples Across Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam celebrate Buddha’s Birthday with lanterns, performances, and family events
Haps Magazine Korea
May 4, 2025
(Photo by Beomosa Temple. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea.)
Temples throughout the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions are holding vibrant celebrations on May 5 to mark the 2569th Buddha’s Birthday, offering family-friendly activities, cultural performances, and breathtaking lantern displays.
Beomeosa Temple: Located in Busan’s Geumjeong-gu, visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences including lantern-making, eco-bag decorating, and Buddhist sticker crafting near the main gate. A lantern lighting ceremony and cultural performance will take place at 7 p.m. in front of the main hall.
(Photo by Samgwangsa Temple. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea.)
Samgwangsa Temple: Located in Busanjin-gu is illuminated with 70,000 lanterns, creating one of the most iconic visuals of the holiday. From May 2 to 5, the temple is host daily traditional music concerts and Baramu dance performances near the bell tower. A car-free zone will be in effect on the temple’s main road from May 3 to 5 to accommodate large crowds.
Tongdosa Temple: In Yangsan, Gyeongnam province, the temple grounds are beautifully lit at night from Seonjagyo Bridge to Iljumun Gate until May 6. Visitors can enjoy the pine-scented Mupunghansong Road and a special night performance on Buddha’s Birthday.
In Ulsan, the Taehwagang Lantern Festival was held from April 25 to 27, featuring events such as the Buddha Transfiguration Ceremony, moonlight walks, and a “Hip Buddhism” concert with Monk New Jin.
The Busan Lantern Festival’s main event was held on April 26 at Busan Citizens’ Park, with performances by Buddhist choirs and temple troupes, drawing both locals and international tourists.
A special social media contest is also underway as visitors who share content related to the Busan lantern events can submit posts to the Busan Buddhist Association for a chance to win small prizes.